Stonefruit trees have a ‘chilling requirement’ of a certain number of hours below 7degC to produce fruit. Most varieties suit the temperate areas of the country to receive the required number of chilling hours, but some have ‘low chill’ requirements so can be grown in the warmer, northern areas of New Zealand.

WATERING

Water well during the early stages, during long dry periods and when the fruit is developing.

PESTS & DISEASES

Stonefruit require a spray program, particularly during spring, to prevent the likes of die back, bacterial disease and leaf curl.

PLANTING IDEAS

Stonefruit trees can be ‘espalier’ trained against a wall or fence in a fan shape.